Meticulously Thailand

T’was an adventure indeed. A sweet escape from the rush-hour-city of Dubai. Though Bangkok's a city, the hands of nature is still strongly felt because you are surrounded by its friendly human structure.

We only did DIY, and I recommend it if your friend is good at direction, coz it will lessen the cost, and you own your time. But if it's only me, I will continue the tour package coz I’ll definitely get lost if I’ll do DIY. Though my friend came on the 2nd day, I managed to survive my first day alone.

So here we go…

Day 1

I’ve checked-in at Everyday Bangkok in Sam Yan area, took train from the airport going to the hostel. Since I arrived at 2pm, I still have a lot of time before the day ends. Since my main goal is TRAVEL and not just to rest, of course I already went out after I brought my things on my room; familiarized the place and their mode of transportation.

Everyone is very friendly especially when they knew that you are a tourist. There was this one kuya whom I just asked for a store and even told me where to spend the rest of my tour. Language barrier will always be the main problem in travelling, BUT, locals are doing their best to assist you. Thank you Thais!

Well I was sooo excited to try their street foods (see below list)! And I guess we managed to at least try most of their delicious foods in the whole trip. Haha!

Day 2

GRAND PALACE

The Grand Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. You should not miss it!!

It took us 5hrs roaming around the place, it was vast. There were lots of people visiting there every single day and you won’t really be able to have a solo photo inside, haha! I was so fascinated on the Thai architectures. The temples were so detailed that I can’t even imagine how long it took them to finish the structures. We also visited its museum and was able to look at the ancient tools used in building the place, as well as a bit of Thailand’s history. There were lots of notable structures inside but the most visited is the Temple of Emerald Buddha, which considered as one of the most important temples in Thailand.

**drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration especially during summer!

Grand Palace Operating hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm

Entrance fee: 500 THB

Dress code: It is better to overdressed. They won’t allow you to go inside if you are just wearing shorts, miniskirt, or even have bare shouldered. If you are just wearing sandals or flipflops, you must wear socks.

How to get there:

We took the river taxi from Tha Chang (Chang Pier). Going by boat allows you to avoid traffic and enjoy river scenery along the way and see the Chao Phraya River up close.

River Boat

SIAM STREET MARKET

You can buy souvenirs in this area. The market is dust free and you'll also definitely enjoy munching their street foods. This is just along the Siam Train Station.

MBK CENTER (Siam Area)

Just a quick visit on how their mall looks like, haha! And we found ANIMATE! The anime store is huge, everything about manga series is there, particularly One Piece. And those anime that I adore...huh it’s all there! That was a stressful visit coz I tried not to buy anything in the store, hahaha!

ASIATIQUE the Riverfront

This is one of the most popular and organized night market in Bangkok – you’ll find night bazaar, shopping and street food area. You can also find a map of the place from the entrance. In fact we also tried eating insects there - scorpions, sea cockroach, larva, grasshopper; and also crocodile meat.

How to get there:

Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and then hop on one of Asiatique's free river ferry shuttles. Free shuttles run from 5pm to 11pm. Take note that the last free boat for picking up from Asiatique is at 11pm as well.

Day 3

AYUTTHAYA Province (UNESCO World Heritage site)

At the entrance of the train station, there will be a lot of tuktuk drivers offering tours. We rented one as the tourist spots are far from another. Just be careful with their charges, some of them offers too much. Luckily, we got the good one who only asked for 800 TBH for the whole tour + 200 TBH tip for her good service. (I guess she’s the only lady driver in that station, so I really recommend her). There is also an option of renting a bike but sadly I don’t drive wheels, don’t even know how.

Below are the places we visited in this province:

• Ayutthaya Historical Park

• Wat Lokaya Sutha (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

• Wat Phra Mahthat

• Viharn Phra Mongkhonbophit

• Pangchangayutthaya - This is where we had our elephant ride. Tho, I felt pity to the elephant as the chairs on top of these elephants seemed too heavy plus the additional weight of the person riding on it.

How to get in Ayyuthaya:

There are lots of options going there - bus, taxi, car, but we took train which is by far the best way to get to the prehistoric city. It will take an hour and half from Hua Lamphong Train Station for only 20 TBH. The ride itself is spectacular, with lots of sceneries along the way. I can imagine the Thai movies during our trip. Haha! Riding an old train was actually one of my dreams.

CHINA TOWN (Bangkok)

China town had given us a hard time in locating it, merely because this place is a regular market during the day, BUT, evening time is the main wave where the street food vendors come to life. It’s a feast…endless!, you will find food gem surprises in very single corner of the street, even in the dark alleys! Just follow the instinct of your nose!

How to get there:

It’s just 1 station away from our place (Sam Yan), and even walking distance. You can take MRT to Hua Lamhong Station, and from there, it’s just 10min walk to China Town.

Timings: not sure if what time the street food vendors are starting to operate, but we went there at around 8pm to 12am

Day 4

PATTAYA Province

Bangkok is almost hundred miles from Pattaya, it took us 4hrs by train from Hua Lamphong Station. This place is actually not in our list, but good thing we didn’t missed it before our holiday’s over. Since we don’t have enough time, we only got a visit on their few tourist spots.

How to get there:

There are only 2 trains departing from Bangkok to Pattaya, and it leaves before 7am. We took the 6:55am from Hua Lamphng and arrived in Pattaya at around 11am, it cost 31 TBH. You’ll need to get a tuk-tuk or taxi from there into the city center.

There are 2 trains from Pattaya to Bangkok which leaves at 14:21 and 16:26; we took the 14:21 and arrived at 18:15 in Bangkok.

CORAL ISLAND (Koh Larn)

We were about to try snorkeling but since we don’t have enough time, we just rented a motorbike to tour us around few spots of the island. Beaches are simply beautiful and still untouched which is one of the main reasons why it’s worth to visit this place.

How to get there:

There are timings for the ferry, but we took the 15:30 from Pattaya pier to Coral Island for just only 30 THB per person. It will take about 30 minutes to get to the Island.

WALKING STREET

The street is closed to vehicles from 7pm to 3am. I don’t recommend visiting this place alone. Why? If you are not used to have a night life or not a party person, then I guess you will cry in the middle of the street. Bars are left and right, alcohols, etc. The only good thing is it is so lively, it is densely packed. There are live bands inside the bars (you can see from the outside) and other entertainment in the street. What I really enjoyed is the street dance battle. You won’t feel drowsy roaming around. (don’t worry parents, I didn’t went inside the bars) haha!

Day 5

We just had a morning food trip around Pattaya Beach before we go back to Bangkok. And since we arrived in Bangkok at around 18:30 we only spent our time buying souvenirs and went back to China Town to try moooorre street foods! Haha!

**Hua Lamphong Train Station (left) & Bangkok Metro Station (right)

Foods we tried:

• Som Tam (Thai Green Papaya Salad)

• Pad Thai (Thai Fried Noodles)

• Bird’s nest

• Grilled Crocodile

• Tom yum

• Geang Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry Chicken)

• Hoy Tod (Oyster Omelet)

• Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)

• Khao Na Bpet

• Pad Gra Pao Gai Kai Dao (Thai Basil Chicken and Fried Egg)

• Pad Pak Grachet (Water Mimosa)

• Kuay Teow Kua Gai (Rice Noodles w/ Chicken and Eggs)

• Ba Mee Bpet (Egg Noodles w/ Duck)

• Thai Sausage

• Khao Kha Moo

• Pad See Eiw

There are still some street foods we tried but didn’t know what they call it.

Lodging:

• Everyday Bangkok – only 5 to 10min walk from Samyan MRT.

• SK Boutique (Bangkok)- with free breakfast - infront of Hua Lamphong MRT and just opposite of Hua Lamphong Train station.

• Arya INN Pattaya Beach Hotel

When looking for a place to stay, always make sure that it has an easy access from public transportations and near the center of the city.

Always take a note as well to observe proper clothing when visiting sacred areas. Remember to take your shoes off when entering a temple with a Buddha image.

All in all, it was a blast. Just always make sure that you are fully prepared for the weather on your country of destination, as it will greatly affect your trip.